The Ninja A-League continues this week with three midweek fixtures and aleagues.com.au has everything you need to know ahead of the Round 9 contests in 2024-25.
Read on for a game-by-game preview ahead of Round 9.
Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
Wednesday, January 8 – No.2 Sportsground 5:30pm kick-off AEDT
Adelaide United are eyeing a drought-ending victory away to Newcastle Jets on Wednesday night.
The fourth-placed Reds, coming off their first ever win over Central Coast Mariners, have not beaten the Jets on the road since February 2021, though they were victorious earlier this season they took down Newcastle 2-0 on home soil in December.
Semi-Finalists in 2023-24, the Jets are three matches without a win (L2 D1) as they sit ninth in the standings – four points outside of the top six.
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory
Wednesday, January 8 – Perry Park 7:00pm kick-off AEDT
Will the Laini Freier show continue against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday night.
Freier has enjoyed an incredible start to life as a professional footballer in the A-Leagues. The 23-year-old has scored seven goals in six appearances, with those goals coming in her last three matches to lead the Golden Boot race. The twin sister of CommBank Matildas forward Sharn Freier, Laini struck against Canberra United last week, having become the first player in the history of the competition to record back-to-back hat-tricks.
Second-placed Brisbane – who have not beaten the Melbourne-based club since their 6-0 rout in January 2021 – are coming off a shock defeat to Canberra and must dust themselves off for the visit of Victory, who are only adrift of the Roar on goal difference.
Victory led 4-2 against Western Sydney Wanderers after 87 minutes on Sunday but conceded twice at the death to sensationally draw.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Wellington Phoenix
Thursday, January 9 – Wanderers Football Park 7:00pm kick-off AEDT
Western Sydney Wanderers will be full of confidence heading into Thursday’s showdown with in-form Wellington Phoenix.
The second-bottom Wanderers emerged from the jaws of defeat to snatch a 4-4 draw against Victory at the Home of the Matildas as reigning Julie Dolan Medallist Sophie Harding enjoyed a return to form with two goals.
Sixth-placed Wellington, meanwhile, have lost just one of their past six fixtures after taking down Perth Glory last week.
The Phoenix have won the past two meetings between the two teams.
